2007-07-07 11:37:20 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
I have had two surgeries this year that have forced me to be dependent on others as I couldn't drive for a time, lift, etc. I have found it to be a humbling experience to depend on others. I am also learning to not take for granted the things I can do. Little things like flossing my teeth, putting lotion on my arms, lifting a fork, being able to wash my own back...little daily things that truly are blessings.
2007-07-07 16:35:46 · answer #1 · answered by P 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am 66. I have not reached that point, and by damned, I never will. When I find that I can no longer work, no longer go to the bathroom myself, no longer remember where I live, I will catch the train to the coast. I have lived a life that is so full, so colorful, that anything today is gravy. I have been kidnapped in a car jacking, shot twice in the head during this...I lived to have another day without any damage except for a little scar right between my eyes. I have been robbed in my home, left face down, bound with lamp cords with a gun being ****** at the back of my head...they changed their minds and ran. *(well, that is two lives down, 7 more to go) . I have been at sea in a 40 foot yacht in the center of a hurricane ! Have no idea how I made it out, but I did (life 3 gone, 6 more to go). I have had a serious heart attack that would have killed a weaker man...one stint later, plus two days, and I was back in the gym working out (life 4 gone, 5 more to go). I have gone down on a motorcycle so hard, that the crack of the helmet on the pavement could be heard a mile away..I ended up only with a fractured hip...(Life 5 gone, 4 more to go). At the rate I am going, I will live to be ninety before I use up the last life I have. Then I will get to start all over again in the next life. Dying is not such a big deal..I have been on death's door too often to be afraid of it any longer. I will NOT ever be a burden on anyone, period. good luck and peace in your life.
2007-07-07 21:43:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
I will be 50 next week. There are not alot of things I cannot do yet. I need someone to thread a needle for me. I hope I am accepting of the things I need help with in the future, and grateful and not resentful. I hope I still strive to do the things I can and not get too dependent or be in denial about the issue. I hope I can keep my self esteem and not get depressed and believe I am useless.
2007-07-07 18:43:43 · answer #3 · answered by tlbrown42000 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am not actually QUITE at that state yet. My problem is that I am terribly stubborn, and even though turning my garden in the spring, or cutting my 8000 square feet of grass, or getting up on ladders to scrape and sand my second storey siding preparatory to painting it, practically KILLS me from the pain of my arthritis and osteoporosis, I STILL end up doing it!!...I take at least four times as long to get through each job, but I STILL DO IT.
And when I can no longer do these things? I guess I am going to have fun turning my grandsons into slaves...maybe allow them to earn money for these more difficult "chores".
2007-07-08 06:51:54 · answer #4 · answered by Susie Q 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not crazy about it. 3 years ago I went off to work every day and did my job. I drove a car and went to the movies alone.
I had friends and we went to concerts. Then, one night in work, I had a brain anuerism and they did some pretty nifty surgery, but I cant drive anymore and my memory is questionable at best. Sometimes it feels as though my daughter thinks I'm really stupid. I had planned to retire at 70-I was only 3 years shy of that, so that's what I'd be doing now anyhow. Oh shucks, I'm alive and my son gave me this computer. Could be worse-right?
2007-07-07 20:08:56 · answer #5 · answered by techtwosue 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Angry is the first word that comes to mind.
I am 61 & have severe emphysema. I was forced to quit my job March 2006. My life wasn't supposed to be like this.
I have learned humility.We have no control over what is going to happen to us. I was very active & I don't enjoy watching people do what would take me half the time to do when I was well.
I still have things to learn about my disease. I have it for a reason. I just don't know what that reason is yet.
2007-07-07 23:36:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is a saddening experience to say the least and you become very angry at yourself for awhile, but it passes.
To have to count on others to lift a heavy load or run that extra mile for you can sometimes make you wish you were dead, but it passes.
These and many other things are a drain on the spirit, but they all pass and you learn to cope.
WE all might be facing something, in the near future, that could have a devastating impact on all of us, but it too will pass as we help each other.
2007-07-07 23:10:46 · answer #7 · answered by dragon 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
feel embarrassed when people older than I am are able to be more active and perform better than I can. but physical condition has a lot to do with this situation so life goes on by my doing the best I can with what I have.
2007-07-08 10:24:32 · answer #8 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am not a senior citizen yet, but I can imagine it would be difficult to adjust to at first, but then you realize that everyone must go through it and you've had your time.
2007-07-07 18:40:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is knowing oneself twice in life. Definitely the person will feel very awful about it except someone who believes that there is God who created everything, gives and taketh also.
2007-07-07 18:46:01 · answer #10 · answered by lady b 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋